Lake Malawi dispute not on SADC summit agenda

The forthcoming summit of Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) Heads of State and Government will not discuss anything on the ongoing border dispute between Malawi and Tanzania, the Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salamão has said.

Briefing journalists on Sunday at Bingu International Conference Centre, on some of the activities that took place during the two-day meeting of the members of the Standing Committee of Senior Officials, Salomao said the regional body will wait for the committee of Sadc’s former heads of State and government to conclude their mediation efforts on the matter to determine the way forward.

“The Malawi, Tanzania lake dispute is not our agenda, unless the President [Joyce Banda] herself would want to brief her colleagues on that specific item. We hope an amicable solution will be found to settle the matter,” he said.

SADC boss Salamao: Lame Malawi border dispuite not on the agenda

Among other issues highlighted during the news conference was the issue of suspension of Madagascar where the Executive Secretary said meditations are underway with United Nations, SADC officials and Madagascar to sort out the political mess so that Madagascar can return to SADC.

He also urged African countries to build capacity at the national level in terms of investments to avoid being ripped off by seasoned investors who are only interested in the money.

“We need to put our heads and hands together to protect our natural resources and make sure that before accepting an investor we need to know that we will benefit and create jobs,” said Salamão.

The 33rd Heads of State and Government SADC Meeting is expected to start on 17 August to 18 August, 2013 where 14 Heads of State and Government are expected to attend.

Chairperson of the Sadc standing committee of senior officials, George Mkondiwa, who is also principal secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said Malawi President will take over the mantle of chairperson of the organization.